Category: pennsylvania

Have you had a horrifying Halloween traveling experience? No worries, we got you

Halloween Celebration

It’s said that the unknown is the most frightening thing of all. Maybe that’s why traveling can be so nerve-racking, especially if you’re going somewhere you’ve never been before. It’s appropriate, then, that this weekend is Halloween, a holiday of ghosts and goblins, tricks and treats, and all-around terror. It’s celebrated in just about every city and town in the country, so there are literally thousands of things going on, no matter where you are. Lucky for you, GotoBus.com is here to take away some of the terror of traveling. One of the internet’s leading marketplaces for convenient, affordable bus routes all over the country, GotoBus can help you find the perfect destination for your next vacation. Below, we’ve compiled a list of haunted houses and other spooky attractions you can visit this Halloween.

Museum of Death, Hollywood, CA

What a pleasant name! This museum in Hollywood began as an art gallery in the 1990s, but soon evolved into the current collection. There’s still plenty of artwork, it just happens to be made by some of the most notorious serial killers in history. There are also old police photographs of some of the most famous crime scenes in history, such as the Manson Family and Black Dahlia murders. On the walls are videos of autopsies, serial killers, cult recruitments, and more. These are all real footage and not reenactments. There’s even a real severed head, because who doesn’t have one of those lying just lying around? Though there are no age restrictions, this museum is best for mature audiences since it has been known to make visitors feel more than a little uncomfortable.

Frightworld, Buffalo, NY

This award-winning “screampark” opens every year to gear up for Halloween. It features five different themed areas, including the new “Night Stalkers,” an interactive flashlight adventure that leads you into a dark basement where – surprise – your flashlight will start to die. Yikes! The other areas include “Condemned,” where you’ll try to escape through the woods from a deranged family wearing animal masks; “Eerie State Asylum,” an after-dark stroll through a psychiatric hospital; and “Insanity,” a group activity that promises to be “the most intense, high tech, mind boggling attraction you have yet to experience.” Sounds like fun, but maybe we’ll sit this one out.

Nightmare on 13th, Salt Lake City, UT

In the 25 years since its opening, Nightmare on 13th has become one of the country’s top haunted houses. It is built off the superstitious idea that buildings don’t have 13th floors, due to the bad luck associated with the number. Built in an old warehouse, Nightmare covers 36,000 square-feet. While you wait to enter, you will watch a fully animated show that provides you with an introduction. Once you’re inside, there are over 45 rooms to navigate, each full of its own, unique terror. Have fun!

Mutter Museum, Philadelphia, PA

The website of this medical museum in Philadelphia asks, “Are you ready to be disturbingly informed?” That’s quite the tagline! This museum definitely lives up to that promise, considered the finest medical history museum in the US. Although this museum has a clear purpose beyond shock and awe, there’s no denying just how creepy some of the exhibits are, such as the Soap Lady, a corpse that is covered by a fatty substance that forms on decomposing bodies in special, airless environments. Also on display are a collection of skulls, the skeleton of a 7’6″ man known as the “American Giant,” the conjoined liver of a pair of Siamese twins, and so many more, equally disgusting, yet informative, exhibits. Seriously – have you ever wanted to see a bunch of jars filled with organs? The Mutter’s got you covered!

Gates of Hell, Las Vegas, NV

Vegas’s Gates of Hell is just one of the components of the city’s Freakling Bros. Trilogy of Terror. On its official website, it is billed as “an experiment in serious, uncompromising, interactive horror.” It is the first R-rated horror attraction in the country, meaning you must be at least 17 years old, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Not much information is given in terms of what goes on once you’re inside, but it promises “a slow and painful descent into cold black nothingness to meet the Prince of Darkness himself.” Umm.. OK, why don’t you go first and we’ll guard the entrance.

Well, there you have it. Five of the most frightening attractions in the US, all in exciting cities that love to go all out for Halloween. On GotoBus.com, you can find bus routes to any of the above-mentioned locations, book tickets, and even book hotel stays, meaning you can enjoy your vacation and leave the scary parts to us. Happy haunting!

All over the United States, we are in the height of summer, which means we have a lot of free time to enjoy the incredible weather. Of course, being out in the sun for so long requires two things: first, a good sunscreen with a high SPF (don’t get burned!), and second, some entertainment that is going to cool you down. At GotoBus.com, we love a good thrill, so we know plenty of great amusement parks around the country that feature rollercoasters, water rides, and many other attractions that are guaranteed to excite family members of all ages. Below, we’ve included descriptions for the best amusement parks for summer fun around the country.

Isn’t it a little disappointing when Halloween ends up being on a Wednesday night? Kids have to go to school, adults have to work, and there is hardly any time to really enjoy and celebrate this fun holiday. Good news! Halloween 2014 is a Friday night, giving you the whole weekend to flaunt your creative costume and celebrate the scariest time of year with friends and family. It also means that you can take some time to travel and experience the Halloween festivities in different cities around the country. Check out the following locations, read about their spooky attractions, and then head to GotoBus.com to book bus tickets. Halloween should be frightening, but travel should not.

Savannah, Georgia

Full of historic homes that date to before the Civil War, the quaint city of Savannah loves to show off its many haunted houses. As night falls, the pleasant, colonial charm is overtaken by a thick darkness and heavy silence, decorated with Spanish moss that hangs from the local trees, making the area seem like the perfect plce for creatures of the night. Visitors to the Sorrel Weed House have reported strange activities, like a sense of nausea and shortness of breath in the basement. It is believed to be haunted by the ghosts of the former owners and their poorly treated slaves. For other Halloween events and attractions in the Savannah area, visit the city’s event page.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Prisons are scary places, even when they are populated by living inmates. Throw in intimidating architecture and the ghosts of countless dead prisoners, who were mainly kept in solitary confinement, and you end up with one bone-chilling facility. Eastern State Penitentiary was once home to the legendary criminal, Al Capone, and you can even visit his cell! Around Halloween, this infamous Philadelphia prison operates the “Terror Behind the Walls,” a haunted house fundraiser, so you can get your pants scared off while supporting the local historical society. More information on this and other Philadelphia Halloween activities can be found here.

San Francisco, California

The energetic atmosphere and nightlife of the Bay Area is only highlighted around Halloween. This site lists some of the major costume parties and themed nights at the local bars leading up to October 31st, a seemingly endless list of exciting events. If you plan to be in the area, you could always check out Queen Anne Hotel. Built towards the end of the 19th century as a boarding school for girls, this Victorian building is said to be haunted by the school’s former headmistress. Room 410 is located where her office once was, and guests in that room have reported waking up to find their clothes unpacked or their blankets tucked around them as they sleep. To be honest, this ghost actually sounds very pleasant. Maybe she’ll make you a cup of tea, if you pass in your homework on time!

Los Angeles, California

For certain cultures, Halloween is not as important as the following day. November 1st, for Christians, is known as All Saints Day, but in Mexico it is better known as Dia de los Muertas – the Day of the Dead. With its large Mexican community, Los Angeles hosts several colorful festivals and events commemorating this day. One of the largest Day of the Dead celebrations is held in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. It is hard to think of a more fitting place for such a festival: the dreariness of the cemetery is erased, because in Mexico, death is seen as a celebration. Instead of mourning, Mexicans dress in a splendid display of colors, sing, dance, and wear traditional masks. This, or any of LA’s other Day of the Dead festivals, offers visitors a unique perspective on how the Halloween season is regarded in other cultures.

Louisville, Kentucky

This city puts up plenty of haunted houses, like a “Wacky Clown Asylum,” which sounds like something adapted directly from a nightmare. But there is one location in the Louisville area that tops the rest in terms of its horror: the Waverly Hills Sanitarium, which is only open around this time of year as a haunted house. Considered one of the scariest places on Earth, the building was once a hospital to house tuberculosis patients, before antibiotics made the disease more manageable. An underground tunnel was used to discretely remove the bodies of the deceased. Now, the grounds are totally abandoned, making the building itself look like a ghost, though there are current efforts being made to restore the property.

As always, GotoBus.com is here to help you reach your destination. It’s no trick – treat yourself to a Halloween weekend getaway, and please, remember to be safe if you’re out at night.

St. Patrick’s Day is a day celebrated throughout the world both by those of Irish descent and those who just want to have a good time. Look for the masses of green as March 17 approaches and we guarantee you will find the biggest hotspots around!

If you’re looking to go out and about this St. Patty’s, there’s nothing better than attending a parade! GotoBus is here to provide the trip ideas and information as well as transportation: in addition to letting you know the top parade spots across the U.S., we’ve also included the latest weather reports from The Weather Channel to help on the planning.

Boston, Massachusetts

Sunday, March 16, 1:00pm: Between spectators and those watching on television, this parade is seen by nearly one million people every year. The parade starts by West Broadway and Dorchester Avenue in South Boston– known as “Southie” to locals- and loops around the city. For the best map of the parade route, click here.

This parade is considered one of the largest in the country, and this year marks its 113th year.

Sunday’s weather is predicted to reach 37 degrees with wind gusts at 13 mph, so bring a coat, but don’t bundle up too much.

Chicago, Illinois

Saturday, March 15, 12:00pm: This year’s parade starts on Balbo and Columbus. For a map of the parade, view their parade website.

The tradition of River Dyeing has been occurring for over 40 years. According to the parade site, the coloring of the Chicago River starts at 10:00am and “can be best viewed from the East side of the bridge at Columbus Drive or upper and lower Wacker Drive between Columbus and Lake Shore Drive. This is a new location due to construction taking place this year.”

Saturday’s Chicago forecast appears to be partly cloudy with a high of 38 degrees, some wind, and a 10% chance of rain. Truly, we are finally headed into spring.

New York, New York

Monday, March 17, 11:00am: Approximately 250,000 march in the parade in front of an estimated crowd of 1 million. The parade route goes down 5th Avenue, starting at 44th Street and ending at 79th Street. If you cannot attend and wish to watch on TV, turn to NBC Channel 4 in New York or watch the live stream here.

Considered the oldest parade in the country, the NYC parade started in 1762. 2014 marks its 252nd year.

Monday’s weather is expected to hover around 32 degrees, with wind and a chance of rain. Stay warm and dry!

Savannah, Georgia

Monday, March 17, 10:15am: Line up along the parade route or find bleacher seating to participate in the fun! For maps of the routes and how to find the bleachers, please visit the official parade website.

This year is the 190th anniversary of this parade.

With a 30% chance of rain Monday and wind gusts around 18 mph, the weather forecast is not looking too promising. Bundle up and bring your umbrellas- we guarantee everyone will still be celebrating!

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Saturday, March 15, 11:45am: This parade has around 12,000 participants, and starts on Wyoming Avenue and Mulberry Street. For a map of the parade route, visit their website.

Celebrating its 52nd year, the Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade started in 1962.

Saturday’s weather is predicted to be partly cloudy and reach a “springy” 49 degrees. This parade is looking to be the warmest of the bunch!

Whether you’re Irish or not, strap on your green clothing and accessories and join in on the fun. For transportation to any of these fun cities, book your bus tickets today on GotoBus.com!

By popular demand, GotoBus is now offering busses from State College, PA, to New York City. Students from Penn State, Juniata College, and any of the surrounding areas can now travel to the Big Apple more easily than ever thanks to this new service provided by A Top Bus. Whether you’re headed home for a break or just want to spend a weekend in the city, visit GotoBus.com and book your bus to New York City!

Busses run once or twice every day except Wednesday and start at just $30. As always, we at GotoBus are here to provide you with the most affordable and convenient travel options available, and this new route is another notch in our belt!

Don’t forget that GotoBus has made it easier than for you to plan your next trip with the GotoBus Mobile Site. Simply visit GotoBus.com from your smartphone and book quickly and simply.

Penn State University, centered in State College Pennsylvania, is a popular destination for students. With nearly 100,000 students currently enrolled, transportation to nearby New York City is in high demand. New service provider, Universal Travel, offers affordable service to and from State College starting at just $25!

The 18 Passenger mini-buses move between an easily accessed pick-up location in lower Manhattan to be dropped off in the middle of Penn State campus. With an approximate travel time of ~4 hours and 20 minuets, Universal Travel provides great value and frequent departures throughout the week.

New York to and from Philadelphia is one of the most traveled routes in the northeast corridor. Don’t you wish there was an affordable travel option that was also safe and included all of your favorite amenities? Well… now there is!

Yo!Bus is a new low cost option for travelers between NY and PHI. Service officially starts December 18th from their New York departure at 3 Pike St. Starting at just $12 ($10 promotional price) you can kick back and relax aboard a modern coach as you are carried away to a conveniently located dropoff location. Yo!Bus is a collaborative effort from Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines.

GotoBus is happy to announce the release of new services from Cashworld Bus. Affordable service between Philadelphia, PA and New York, NY is now available on GotoBus.com! For only $10, you can reserve your one-way ticket to New York from Philadelphia… or vice versa!

With eight different departures daily, travelers are able to plan around their own schedule. As an added benefit, those going to midtown can select the midtown dropoff location when making their reservation. Save yourself time and cab fare!

Thanks to a new Pennsylvania service extension, GotoBus.com is now offering travel between Altoona, State College, and New York City. Demand for service beyond State College will be met for the greater part of the state.

CAMBRIDGE, MA August 25, 2010 – GotoBus, the leading online bus ticketing service, is pleased to announce the release of a new bus route operated by SkyLine Bus providing service between New York City and Wilkes-Barre, PA. This daily bus service begins on September 1, 2010 and departs at 4:30pm from 6 Allen St. in New York City and arrives at approximately 7:00pm in 150 E Northampton St in Wilkes-Barre. The return service departs Wilkes-Barre at 7:30pm and arrives back in New York City around 10pm.

NYC <> Wilkes-Barre Bus Service – Trip duration is approximately 2.5 hours and for a limited time prices have been marked down from $35 to $20 one way and from $60 to $35 round trip.

SkyLine is one of over 300 bus and tour operators, including the chinatown bus whose services are currently marketed by GotoBus. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing. Full schedules and ticketing information can be found at online.

About GotoBus
GotoBus is the leading online marketplace for bus tickets and tours. The GotoBus online booking system is similar to those used by major airlines, and makes it easy for travelers to quickly compare schedules, prices, and pickup/drop-off locations for over 200 bus companies throughout the United States and Canada. GotoBus.com is the fastest growing gateway for bus travel on the Internet today. In February 2007, GotoBus.com was named ‘Best of the Web’ in the motorcoaches category by The Washington Post.